Now that the season is over and the lockers have been cleaned out, it is time to revisit Memo Math.  It was interesting to compare the size of 6th grader shoes to Memo’s.  We discovered that basketball shoes are labeled with several different size designations.  For example, shoe sizes are labeled in metrics, UK,  and [...]

We have started a new tradition in our school, math night.  Each of the teachers prepare a game or activity to teach parents and students how to use and enjoy math in their homes with each other. This year, we added another element, Memo Okur’s basketball shoe.
As a class, we measured our shoes and compared [...]

When the topic of injuries and Jazz comes up in my classroom, I have to wonder when basketball stopped becoming a non-contact sport.  Naturally, I had to ask my students what they thought about the “roughness” factor in professional basketball.  Here are their perspectives:
“Lots of players don’t get a chance to shine because they get hurt.  [...]

Last week I asked my students (as individuals) to suppose that the Jazz organization had heard about their talent and ability as a basketball player.  I asked them to imagine that the Jazz scouts were coming to school to observe them. I asked them to consider:  ”What qualities would the Jazz see in you while you [...]

One of the most difficult things for 6th grade students to learn is how to make the transition from being a child and becoming a “tween.” As a child, most of your needs are met by someone else, a trusted adult such as a parent or teacher.  As a “tween,” I help my students learn [...]

Kids are very impressionable.  Some things they see or learn about stays with them in a very vivid way.  When I asked them to describe some impressive Jazz moments, they had strong memories.  These students are only 11 years old, so some of the “most memorable” in Jazz history are not in their personal memories.  [...]

‘Dantley makes this list too’
Kids like to dream, so I asked my students what their idea of a fantasy night at a Jazz game might look like.  As you will see, these kids have no shame when it comes to creating a fantasy.  Here are a few of their ideas.
My idea of a fantasy night [...]

Every year there is a discussion in our class about what rules will govern our class conduct.  I let the kids pick the rules, and they usually come up with what they know to be appropriate behavior.  In an extension of that process, I asked my students about other situations where people have to follow [...]

‘D-Will: Earning Respect’ (AP)
This is part two of my class’s response to why they consider themselves to be the Number One kid fan.  Easton’s writing was so enthusiastic, that I need to enter it as a seperate post.”Why I am the Utah Jazz ’s biggest kid fan!  I have seven Utah Jazz jerseys including D-Will, [...]